November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and if you’ve ever visited any of Chef Ronaldo Linares website, Twitter, or Facebook pages, you’ll learn in an instant about his passion for improving the dietary lives of individuals living with diabetes. He does this with his absolute love and passion for the culinary arts inspired by the savoring tastes of Cuban cuisine.
I met Ronaldo at this year’s LATISM (Latino’s in Tech Innovative Social Media) conference held in Orlando. Each year, LATISM selects the top Latino digital influencers across the country. This group is comprised of bloggers, vloggers, and writers who advocate for various social causes by using social media and electronic technology. Ronaldo was among the many talented digital influencers acknowledged and honored for their advocacy and contributions to a social cause. Ronaldo was this year’s winner of LATISM’s Best Latin Food Blogger.
Born into a family of gifted culinary enthusiasts, Ronaldo’s love of cooking was nurtured and cultivated by loved ones and strategic career choices. Beginning with working at his family’s restaurant, still famous for its Cuban delicacies, Martino’s Cuban Restaurant is a successful family business in Somerville, New Jersey. Enlisting in the Marine Corp further supported his destined path. As a Sergeant and Food Service Specialist, he served 6,000 Marines daily. During his time of service, Ronaldo polished his skills in recreating American dishes into contemporary recipes with a masterful blend of Cuban flavor.
Love of family is a topic that finds its way in our discussion several times over. “Love and advocacy truly begins at the table,” Ronaldo says. When thoughts of writing a health conscious Cuban recipe book first came to mind, he wanted to highlight another strong message to families. Cooking and eating together are the perfect moments for which a family can laugh together, talk to each other, and connect.
“Love and advocacy truly begins at the table. We get consumed with the hustle. We forget and lose focus on our family values and culture. We lose that connection and ultimately we don’t take care of ourselves or each other.”
Renowned Chef and Humanitarian Spices Up Healthy Eating for Individuals Living with Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that is identified by the high levels of sugar found in a person’s blood, resulting in his or her inability to produce or use insulin. If untreated, many other health factors become at risk. Complications include issues with kidneys, vision, skin, nerves, feet, blood pressure and more. Diabetes is a growing epidemic in our country and the number of people affected is increasing in a rapid rate. 29 million Americans have diabetes, 1 out of 4 people don’t know they have diabetes. 1.4 million people will be diagnosed every year. 12.8% of people living with diabetes are Hispanic and these numbers are trending and continue to rise.
When Ronaldo learned of these staggering statistics, he knew he wanted to do something to help this community of people eat healthy, improve their sugar levels, and still enjoy food. After approaching the American Diabetes Association (ADA) with his proposal for a book on Cuban cuisine that would list recipes and healthy alternatives for individuals living with diabetes, he was told it couldn’t be done. Today, his book “Sabores de Cuba: Diabetes-Friendly Traditional and Nueva Cubano Cuisine,” has the stamp of approval from the American Diabetes Association. The ADA’s endorsement of his diabetes-friendly recipes coupled with his charismatic screen presence earned Ronaldo’s gifted traits to be featured on several televised titans of industry: The Food Network, Fox, Telemundo, and Univision, just to name a few.
When Ronaldo learned of these staggering statistics, he knew he wanted to do something to help this community of people eat healthy, improve their sugar levels, and still enjoy food. After approaching the American Diabetes Association (ADA) with his proposal for a book on Cuban cuisine that would list recipes and healthy alternatives for individuals living with diabetes, he was told it couldn’t be done. Today, his book “Sabores de Cuba: Diabetes-Friendly Traditional and Nueva Cubano Cuisine,” has the stamp of approval from the American Diabetes Association. The ADA’s endorsement of his diabetes-friendly recipes coupled with his charismatic screen presence earned Ronaldo’s gifted traits to be featured on several televised titans of industry: The Food Network, Fox, Telemundo, and Univision, just to name a few.
Cuban Sensation Ronaldo Linares is a Multi-Disciplined Entrepreneur and Revolutionary Advocate for Healthy Eating and Individuals Living with Diabetes
Ronaldo was adamant about remaining true to his deep-seeded roots of Cuban tradition. Realizing that many of our American-Cuban families don’t have access to classic herbs and spices used in traditional Cuban recipes, the revolutionary chef blended traditional seasonings with a new twist of hybrid seasonings. He created new recipes that adhere to the healthy standards required for diabetics, while keeping the savory tastes of his beloved island. Ronaldo reinvented recipes that decrease your chances for developing diabetes and promote healthy eating. He says by adding a little exercise to your daily routine, your adding time to your life span - time you spend with your family. I heard him chuckle before stating, “When Latino’s believe in something, they stand and step-up. Why not do this for your health?”
Father and son super heroes As we reach the end of our discussion, Ronaldo pauses and mentions his passion and love of family and his son. “I want to be around for my son Liam until I can’t play with him anymore. I want to make my time with my son last as long as possible.” Ronaldo's love, passion and obsession for cooking is what motivates him to work hard day-to-day. Yet it’s his love of family, and the results he sees in creating healthier options for all communities that drives his success.
© 2016 Sensory Friends
RSS Feed